OpenAI offers millions to lure Google’s top AI researchers

[Photo by Yonhap]

The talent recruitment competition between OpenAI and Google LLC is intensifying, according to a report by tech-focused media outlet The Information.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT that has transformed the artificial intelligence landscape, is actively pursuing top researchers from Google, reportedly offering multimillion-dollar annual salaries, inclusive of stock options, and providing cutting-edge resources such as AI accelerator chips to attract top talent.

The report notes that leading Google technologists could be offered annual packages in the $5 to $10 million range.

OpenAI’s is allegedly targeting members of Google’s “Gemini” team, which is developing its own AI software in response to OpenAI’s latest large language model, GPT-4.

Earlier in July 2023, OpenAI launched its Superalignment Team that is dedicated to ensuring human safety in AI development, with job postings offering salaries between $245,000 and $450,000, including stocks and benefits.

Having already onboarded talent from Google and Meta Platforms Inc., OpenAI has been proactive in recruiting for its AI chatbot development.

A blog post published by OpenAI in November 2022, when ChatGPT was released, listed five former Google researchers among its contributors.

The report suggests that OpenAI had approximately 59 former Google and 34 former Meta employees on its roster as of February 2023.

Google has also hired researchers from OpenAI this year, although sources indicate that the company was unable to match the competitive salaries offered by OpenAI.